Large number of Russian expatriates in Türkiye vote in their country's presidential election

By Sinan Ozmus and Ilyas Kacar

ISTANBUL / ANTALYA, Türkiye (AA) – Russian expatriates in Türkiye’s largest city of Istanbul and the southern Mediterranean resort city of Antalya on Sunday voted in their country's presidential elections.

Russian citizens in Istanbul voted at a polling booth set up inside the Consulate General building. On the final day of the presidential election, many Russians lined up at the Russian mission on Istiklal Avenue to vote.

Meanwhile, a Russian woman burned her passport on the street in protest of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The woman was apprehended by police and escorted to the police station.

Meanwhile, Russian voters in Antalya cast their ballots at the Consulate General in Karaalioglu Park neighborhood. A long queue was seen due to the voters' intense interest.

Consul General Sergey Vetrik said Russian citizens living in Antalya have shown great interest in the presidential election.

"We have conducted elections in Kemer, Marmaris, and Alanya before. Many of our citizens came to vote there as well. So far, approximately 1,500 people have voted. They continue to vote,” Vetrik said.

He said the polls opened at 8:00 a.m. local time and would close at 8:00 p.m., with an expected 10,000 voters to cast their ballots.

*Writing by Esra Tekin in Istanbul